Messages to the community

A Personal Video Note, a Pop Quiz from University Life, COVID-19 Testing Info, Commencement, and More

May 15, 2020

Dear Students,

Today I invite you to take the University Life pop quiz to share your ideas, and I offer you a homemade video (see below) with personal reflections and special appreciation for you at the semester’s end. Warmest congratulations, too, to our soon-to-be-graduates, and to every Columbia student for your tremendous accomplishments this semester and this year.

See below for information on Commencement, volunteering, COVID-19 testing, support for students with disabilities, summer health services, my video for you, and more.

Celebrating Commencement
Join us to cheer on every graduate during the University’s virtual Commencement Ceremony on May 20 at 11 am, and in virtual Class Day celebrations. See the full schedule of events.

My Video for You (5 minutes)
At the end of this most perplexing and difficult semester, to borrow President Bollinger’s words from his email yesterday, I want to share with you directly and more personally than usual some thoughts on the semester. Please take a look. 

COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 testing has become more widely available in NY and elsewhere. Visit this page to learn about the two types of tests (diagnostic and antibody), what to expect and how long it takes to receive results.

Update on Support for Students With Disabilities
Disability Services continues to virtually support students with disabilities who require academic, housing or virtual event accommodations. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Summer Health Services
Columbia Health provides prescheduled onsite and virtual medical services, virtual counseling and psychological services through the summer, along with ongoing virtual support from Alice! Health Promotion, Sexual Violence Response and Disability Services.

CUIMC Student Health Service continues to provide enrolled students with virtual medical and mental health services and virtual groups/gathering spaces, along with ongoing support through the Center for Student Wellness.

Columbia Athletics
Columbia Athletics offers Wellness Wednesday videos featuring tips for home workouts, nutrition, and additional topics throughout the summer (videos appear on the right on this page). Also, look out for the Virtual C Celebration livestream honoring the achievements of 2019-20 student-athletes on Tuesday, May 26 at 8 pm. Check the Columbia Athletics website for information.

Volunteering Into the Summer
Check University Life’s website for volunteer opportunities, and take a special look at what’s coming up with Columbia’s COVID-19 Student Service Corps and how you might get involved.

Columbia Welcome Ambassadors and University Life Events Council
Get to know students across Columbia by becoming part of the Columbia Welcome Ambassador team or a school liaison to the University Life Events Council. Apply now!

As you close the semester, know that you have done something extraordinary in being part of this community in this challenging but also uniquely special time. And as the summer approaches, I hope you will keep finding ways to connect with those around you and with our virtual community (more on summer events to come soon).  

And, to our graduates, all of us in University Life celebrate you – you’ll see more from us next week – and we thank you for your lasting contributions to Columbia.

In community,

Professor Suzanne B. Goldberg
Executive Vice President for University Life
Herbert and Doris Wechsler Clinical Professor of Law

 

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See below for a quick resource guide – and visit University Life’s Student Resources on COVID-19 for comprehensive listings.

Easy-Access Medical, Mental Health and SVR Contact Information

  • To reach a medical professional, call 212-854-7426 (Morningside) or 212-305-3400 (CUIMC).
  • To reach a mental health professional, call 212-854-2878 (Morningside) or 212-305-3400 (CUIMC).
  • To reach Sexual Violence Response (all campuses), call 212-854-HELP/4357.

Information About COVID-19

  • Columbia’s COVID-19 website provides information, resources and volunteer opportunities for the Columbia community.
  • Call Columbia’s COVID-19 hotline for general questions, Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm, 212-854-9355.
  • Remember to protect yourself and others: Wear a face-covering or mask if you need to leave your home for essential reasons and especially where social distancing isn’t possible, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, don’t touch your face with unwashed hands, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, and stay home if you’re not feeling well.

Virtual Support Groups, Workshops and Gatherings – Counseling, Student Wellness and Religious Life